Union Home Minister reviews border security in North Bengal

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid a significant visit to North Bengal on Saturday, reviewing border security arrangements, interacting with security personnel, and holding high-level administrative meetings aimed at strengthening governance and development in the region.

On Friday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and MP Raju Bista welcomed the Union Home Minister at Bagdogra airport. Adhikari accompanied Shah during the border assessment.

The Union Home Minister began his visit with an inspection of the Indo-Bangladesh border, where he was briefed by senior officials of the Border Security Force (BSF) on the prevailing security situation, surveillance measures, anti-smuggling operations, and initiatives to prevent illegal cross-border activities. He interacted with BSF personnel and appreciated their dedication in safeguarding the nation's borders under challenging conditions.

During the visit, Amit Shah also reviewed infrastructure and technological measures being adopted to enhance border management and emphasized the importance of maintaining constant vigilance to ensure national security.

Later, the Union Home Minister arrived at Uttarkanya, the branch secretariat of the West Bengal Government in Siliguri, where he chaired a series of high-level meetings with senior officials. The discussions focused on internal security, border management, coordination between Central and State agencies, infrastructure development, disaster preparedness, and other issues concerning North Bengal.

Senior officials from the Union Home Ministry, BSF, intelligence agencies, and the state administration attended the meetings and presented updates on various security and developmental initiatives in the region.

Amit Shah's visit is considered significant in view of North Bengal's strategic importance, as the region shares international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, making effective border management and coordinated administration crucial for national security and regional development.

The visit concluded with a review of ongoing projects and a renewed emphasis on strengthening security, improving coordination among agencies, and accelerating development in the strategically important North Bengal region.